Road safety education will fail without enforcement – NRSA boss

Abraham Amaliba, the Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) in Ghana, has emphasized that road safety education in the country will not be effective without proper enforcement. Speaking on Joy Prime’s Dialogue on Road Safety Crisis, Mr Amaliba stressed that the success of road safety initiatives depends on a comprehensive approach that includes education, enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and emergency response.

Mr Amaliba explained that weaknesses in any of these areas, even when public education campaigns are ongoing, can undermine efforts to make Ghana's roads safer. He emphasized that education alone is insufficient to change driver behavior, as motorists may believe they can ignore traffic regulations without facing punishment. He highlighted that enforcement is crucial in ensuring compliance with road safety rules, as it deters drivers from disregarding these laws.

The NRSA director pointed out that proper road engineering, such as well-designed roads, clear markings, pedestrian crossings, adequate lighting, and functioning traffic signals, is another critical component of road safety. He stressed that improving driver behavior alone would not resolve the road safety crisis if the physical conditions of roads continued to pose dangers to motorists and pedestrians.

Furthermore, Mr Amaliba raised concerns about emergency response following road crashes, warning that delayed or unprofessional assistance could worsen the consequences for crash victims. He advocated for strengthening emergency response arrangements to ensure timely and professional care for those involved in accidents.

When asked which intervention he would prioritize if given resources to tackle road crashes, Mr Amaliba stated that enforcement would be his top focus. He explained that drivers are expected to have received some education on road safety during their driving lessons, and therefore enforcement should ensure compliance with traffic laws. He highlighted the importance of predictable consequences in shaping driver behavior, as people tend to act based on expected outcomes.

Mr Amaliba also noted a concerning practice among drivers, where they warn each other about approaching police checkpoints. This behavior illustrates how the presence of law enforcement can influence driver behavior. The NRSA director concluded by stressing that all components of the road safety system must work effectively for meaningful progress to be made in reducing road crashes and saving lives in Ghana.